Celebrate Developmental Disabilities Month!

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 

March is Developmental Disabilities month. We are celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of people with developmental disabilities. Developmental Disabilities (DD) are defined as a group of conditions caused by physical, learning, language, or behavioral disabilities. 

To celebrate, Able SC is recognizing the achievements of some accomplished people with Developmental Disabilities: 

Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin is an American professor of animal science who has autism. She is a well-known advocate for people with autism and has written many books on the topic, including "Thinking in Pictures" and "The Autistic Brain." Grandin experiences ways of thinking that others do not, and as a result, Grandin may behave, communicate, and learn in ways that are different from other people. Grandin has been recognized for her contributions to the field of animal science and for her advocacy for individuals with autism.

We honor Temple Grandin as a part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

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Howie Mandel

Howie Mandel is a Canadian comedian, actor, and television personality who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He has spoken publicly about his experiences as well as the strategies he has used to manage his disability. As a person with ADHD, Mandel experiences symptoms relating to attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which causes impairments in behavioral areas. Mandel has also been a strong advocate for mental health awareness and support. 

We honor Howie Mandel as a part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

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Maysoon Zayid

Maysoon Zayid is an American comedian, writer, and disability advocate with cerebral palsy. As a person with cerebral palsy, Zayid experiences symptoms that affect muscle control caused by brain development differences. She has used her platform as a performer to raise awareness about disability issues and promote greater inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities. As an American-Palestinian, Zayid is also the founder of the New York Arab American Comedy Festival. She is known as one of America's first Muslim women comedians. 

We honor Maysoon Zayid as a part of Developmental Disability Awareness Month.

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Lucy Hobbs Taylor

Lucy Hobbs Taylor was an American dentist with learning disabilities. In the 1860s, Lucy became the first woman to earn a dental degree and practice dentistry in the United States. There is limited information about Taylor’s disability. We do know that the 1860s was a difficult time for people with disabilities, as many found themselves sent away to institutions. Taylor likely experienced difficulties in her education stemming from discrimination against her disabilities. Taylor's determination and success have symbolized empowerment for people with learning disabilities. 

We honor Lucy Hobbs Taylor as part of Developmental Disability Awareness Month.

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Do you enjoy learning about disability history? Do you want to learn more? Consider supporting us as we continue to serve people with disabilities by educating the community about the accomplishments of disabled advocates! 

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